[kickstand]

The time has come for me to start researching/shopping a bigger travel downhill bike.

my only full suspension experience is on 2 different trek fuels, my current Kona Coiler, and a parking lot ride on a "Astrix", and a quick parking lot ride/sit down on an intense socom. Neither of the rides on those bikes was long enough to get a feel for them and I was in a parking lot just messing around.

For the sake of Brand Loyalty I'd like to consider the trek session, the giant glory seems like a nice bike, as does the Demo 8, I also like the looks of the V-10. I will be buying used, so any other "good" proven designs will be considered.

1. I'm 5-10"
2. 180 lbs
3. I don't know how to explain my riding style, I'm not one of those guys who is super smooth and catches air a lot, but I am not a straight up bulldozer either.
4. Budget is a concern, but I do want as new as possible.

I don't really understand all the different suspension designs and their characteristics.

Trail style locally is mainly washed out braking bumps, rutted mess. Where I also ride a lot just a few more hours north is very rocky, some drops, etc.

Everything is currently being ridden on my kona coiler, but I would like something a bit more plush and would also like to try and start hitting up some of the east coast races, (a couple a year), most likely platty, blue mountain, diablo, snow shoe, etc. as those are the closest to my house.

 

[bullcrew]

1- How much do you want to spend?
2- Are you pedalling at all?

Theres alot of nice bikes I see V-10s for a good price on pinkbike and I see Giants and specialized here and randomely on craigslist...
They are all nice all different and all have pros/cons and those vary from rider and style...

So I asked this years ago as did alot of us and it always breaks down to the most irritating answer LMAO...

Go out and ride a few and find the one that fits you....

 

[spocomptonrider]

New Demo/ Thread.

 

[kickstand]

1- How much do you want to spend?
2- Are you pedalling at all?

Theres alot of nice bikes I see V-10s for a good price on pinkbike and I see Giants and specialized here and randomely on craigslist...
They are all nice all different and all have pros/cons and those vary from rider and style...

So I asked this years ago as did alot of us and it always breaks down to the most irritating answer LMAO...

Go out and ride a few and find the one that fits you....

1. Budget is yet to be determined, but I am willing to spend $2000-$3000 if I have to, but would prefer to spend less.
2. No, this will be a lift served, shuttle bike only, as I will be keeping my Kona Coiler, and I also have a hardtail XC bike.

Going out and riding a few really isn't going to be super feasible, I wish it was as it is the best advice that could be given. None, and I mean NONE of my local bike shops even stock anything as big as my kona, and on lift served days I don't yet know anyone I have ridden with well enough to ask to jump on their $5g bike.

None of my mountain biking friends i've had for years are migrating this direction, they are all content to stick with XC riding.

 

[norbar]

Get a used ih sunday with a good part spec. They are cheap, most ppl feel good on them and with a properly tuned damper the rear works good. Very good base for a start.

 

[kickstand]

Get a used ih sunday with a good part spec. They are cheap, most ppl feel good on them and with a properly tuned damper the rear works good. Very good base for a start.

I thought the IH Sundays were no longer made and parts availability was a concern?

I do not want to get into a situation where replacement parts are a concern, I may never break a sunday, but not something I want to have to worry about.

 

[daisycutter]

Buy an Old Demo/ Thread.

fixed

 

[bullcrew]

Get a used ih sunday with a good part spec. They are cheap, most ppl feel good on them and with a properly tuned damper the rear works good. Very good base for a start.

X2

they are pretty solid cheap and you can find other frames out there to part out if needed... They were a pretty universal fit for alot of people...

Theres a ton that WERE NEVER RIDDEN to there potential or hammered on with such a huge fan boy following... Makes it nice for spares ...

 

[ianjenn]

http://slo.craigslist.org/bik/1870913802.html

that is a 2003 M1 a killer bike. It has been built for about a year now. I used to own it and had to sell to pay daycare. The build kit is pretty good....... dirt cheap also. It is a size LARGE....

I would spend a decent amount. You can find pretty nice bikes for $2K used.

 

[blackohio]

if buying used, brand loyalty shouldnt be of a concern.

 

[norbar]

If you are concerned about parts (not that you should be - as explained above) you could always get a 07+ DHR. Solid bikes and they are backed up by a company with one of the best CS in the industry.

For example.
http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15238/

You will find a lot of used ones for cheap because lately the frame price is pretty low.

 

[kickstand]

if buying used, brand loyalty shouldnt be of a concern.

Disagree....but that's me. I didn't say I was buying due to great warranty or customer service. My trek has served me extremely well and I am happy with it, so i will strongly consider another one. My kona has been a good bike, but I am not as interested in their offerings.


How is the sizing on the Demo's? I have seen a lot of smalls for sale, with people up to 6' claiming to be comfortable on them and it being a good fit....

I typically ride mediums and for downhill type trails do like a slightly smaller bike, is a small way to small for someone at 5'10? I wear a 32 inseam pant in most cases to give an idea.

Seems of the trek the demo and the glory the demo is the favorite?

 

[kickstand]

what about the intense socom or m6? seen a couple of those in my price range....how do I know which bike is gonna suit my style of riding a little better than another?

I'm sure I will be faster on any of them than my kona, but figuring out which is more my style is kinda tough when I don't have all 5 or 6 in front of me to test ride back to back.